A sliver in the side of Senegal, tiny Gambia attracts thousands of tourists to linger on its beach-lined shores, or head up country to see a staggering number of bird species.

A quirk off colonial history, The Gambia is one of the world’s unlikeliest countries. About 300 kilometers long, but averaging only 35 kilometers wide, The Gambia stretches only a few square kilometres north and south of the Gambia River, and is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, bar some 80 kilometers of Atlantic coast that define its western edge.

The Gambia is the country of the anti-superlative, claiming the titles for both smallest African nation and most understated capital. Smallest nature reserve could be added to the list. The Abuko Nature Reserve near Banjul is a compact area with a stunning variety of mammals and birds. And there are plenty of other protected areas to cheer a nature-lover’s heart.