If it’s the buzz of Africa without the travel, a holiday with African style and luxury, the best accommodation/food/nightlife mix that West Africa can offer - then Senegal is for you.

Dakar has to be my favourite capital city in Africa - a pleasant fresh climate, cosmopolitan and friendly with a modern prosperous West African style. By day wander the bustling markets or take a trip to one of the islands to swim and eat fresh fish, by night see top class live Senegalese music while you dine.

North up the coast from Dakar, on an island at the mouth of the Senegal River is Saint Louis the former capital of French West Africa and home to Senegalese Jazz. French colonial architecture mixes with Wolof and Maure culture.

From Saint Louis take a cruise on the beautifully refurbished colonial cruiser - Le Bou El Mogdad - for a week up the Senegal River, stopping off each day at Tukolor and Maure villages and at the World Heritage Parc d’Oiseau De Dijouf, one of the most important sites for migrating birds, pelicans and flamingos.