A quantum leap from the drive-by-safari-lands of East Africa, Senegal is rife with mangrove and baobab forests, beach-flecked coastlines, and isolated hamlets. A new generation of travelers is rediscovering its charms, along with some new hotels and wilderness lodges: Openings in recent years include the treehouse suites of Lodge des Collines de Niassam ($125; niassam.com).

YOUR PLAN: Wilderness Travel has a new, two-week small-yacht expedition to the lush river deltas of Senegal and the Gambia, where baobabs and mangroves mark the meeting of river and sea, and villages emerge from the jungle unexpectedly ($6,395; wildernesstravel.com).