With its beautiful natural surroundings, Cape Town is the ideal spot for nature lovers.

This image was shot on my first road trip around the Cape Peninsula. I was taken by the stunning natural surroundings and the wildlife you find in surprising places. This baboon was sitting on the path to the lighthouse at Cape Point and ran into a tree as we came up the path.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden holds delights at every turn. This brilliant butterfly stopped for a brief meal near the Silvertree Restaurant.

A highlight of my last trip to Cape Town; I was able to get quite close to the tiny penguins of Boulders Beach as they sunned themselves on the rocks.

I had heard about the strangely cute dassie before I had arrived in Cape Town and was hoping to glimpse one before I left. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw one in the bushes near Boulders Beach. He kindly posed for me before disappearing into the brush.

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Images © Lauren Barkume 2010