Kalk Bay Peak and Spes Bona from Ou Kraal
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This is one of the best hikes in Kalk Bay, taking you through the Mimetes Valley, up towards Kalk Bay Peak, and back down through the cool Afromontane forest of Spes Bona.
Start — From Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive, follow the trail toward Bailey’s Kloof before ascending steadily through the Mimetes Valley.
Contour Section — After turning left toward Kalk Bay, the route passes Kalk Bay Peak before descending into the shaded Spes Bona Forest.
Return — The loop closes by following the historic Old Mule Path back to Ou Kraal, completing a scenic circular hike.
📍 Meeting Point — Ou Kraal at the start of the Old Mule Trail on Boyes Drive, St James.
📌 Meeting Spot — Google Maps
⏱️ Hiking Time — 3hrs 30min – 4hrs
📏 Distance — 6.9km
⛰️ Elevation — 447m
🟠 Grade — Moderately Strenuous
🐾🐾 — Dog Friendly
Route Notes — An easy-to-follow but relatively long hike on a stony path.
The Mimetes fimbriifolius of the Mimetes Valley
This Tree Pagoda is an unusual range-restricted member of the Protea family, occurring only in the Cape Town fynbos of the Cape Peninsula.
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| The Mimetes Fimbriifolius - photo © jaxw |
The name fimbriifolius refers to the thick fringe of white, silky hairs along the leaf margins. As a local endemic, it forms part of the exceptionally diverse Cape Floristic Region and contributes to the ecological character of the Peninsula’s sandstone slopes and ridges.
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| The flower heads - photo © Gigi Laidler |
Mimetes fimbriifolius plays an important role in fynbos pollination networks. Its brightly coloured, structured flower heads produce nectar that attracts bird pollinators, particularly Cape sugarbirds and sunbirds. As these birds move between flowering shrubs, they facilitate cross-pollination and help maintain genetic diversity within this highly localised species.
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| Resprouting after fire - photo © Penelope Brown |
Fire is a natural and essential feature of the fynbos, and Mimetes fimbriifolius is well adapted to survive it. Unlike many fynbos species that are killed by fire and regenerate only from seed, Mimetes fimbriifolius has a thick, corky, and fire-resistant bark and is capable of resprouting after a burn.
Following a fire, new shoots often emerge from the upper portions of burnt branches, allowing established plants to recover rapidly.
Best hike in Kalk Bay Mountains!
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