Vodacom Durban July  - Usually held on the first Saturday of every July, the annual Durban July is South Africa's equivalent of the Royal Ascot in the UK, with superb thoroughbreds, but also high fashion, fine cuisine and elegance.

Sardine Run - Every year along the shores stretching from the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, millions of sardines migrate from the cold waters heading to the subtropical temperatures in an awesome underwater spectacle. Comparable only to its land equivalent, the Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, this amazing occurrence is one of the most unforgettable experiences for those brave enough to get in the water with the predators, including dolphins, seals, sharks and whales that come out to feed on them.

Comrades Marathon - The world's greatest ultra-marathon, the Comrades is a grueling test over 90km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg every year. The race alternates between the uphill run from Durban and the downhill from Pietermaritzburg.

Awesome Africa Music Festival

The Standard Bank Awesome Africa Music Festival, first held in 1999, takes place in Durban's Albert Park. It has three stages of non-stop music, with over 200 artists from more than 20 countries. The focus is on collaboration with musicians from Africa and beyond.

Where: Durban
When: September
Website: www.awesomeafricafestival.co.za

Southern Cross Music Festival

Every September the Southern Cross Music Festival showcases South African music in a three-day event in Hidden Valley on the banks of KwaZulu-Natal's beautiful Mooi River. First held in 1998, the festival donates part of its proceeds to charity. In addition to music, there's fishing, swimming, white water rafting, abseiling, hikes, walks, mountain biking and 4x4 courses. The farm caters for 6 000 festival-goers.

Where: Mooi River
When: September
Website: www.southerncrossmusic.co.za

White Mountain Folk Festival

The White Mountain Folk Festival in the Central Drakensberg mountain range offers great music in an awesome setting for three days in September. Featuring acoustic performances by some of the South Africa's top folk musicians, the festival is held at White Mountain Lodge in the foothills of the Giant's Castle Nature Reserve. Camping in a beautiful site at the edge of a dam is free, with brand new hot shower units at the ready plus lots of "executive" loos. There's also a variety of food stalls, and a beer market offering naturally brewed local ales and lagers.

Where: Estcourt
When: September
Website: www.whitemountain.co.za

Nottingham Road Pink Festival

In late November the picturesque Midlands town of Nottingham Road is painted pink. A weekend of extravagant music, song and dance, the new Pink Festival includes entertainment by some of South Africa's top performers, divine cabaret in the Cattle Arena, and fine music in the Farmers Hall. The festival also offers children's shows, horse rides, hiking trails and a visual feast of arts and crafts.

Where: Nottingham Road
When: November
Website: www.pinkfestival.co.za

Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival

The Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival celebrates the better things in life - Umdwebo is isiZulu for "to create art" or "to underline something beautiful". Held in and around Ballito on KwaDukuza's picturesque north coast in November, the six-day event features fine dining, elegant black-tie affairs, art and photographic exhibitions, opera, classical music and more.

Where: Ballito
When: November
Website: www.umdwebo.co.za