Find out more about when and where these festivals are happening below, and click on the headings to get to the official festival web sites.
1. Cape Town Pride
One of South Africa's biggest gay events; a 10 day extravaganza celebrating gay pride and diversity. A giant parade on the second Saturday is the focal point amidst many parties, art shows and fashion shows.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 2 March - 11 March (2012)
2. FESPACO - Film Festival
© FESPACO
The Panafrican Film and TV Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) is Africa's largest film festival. The festival is held every two years.
.Where: Ougadougou, Burkina Faso
When: February - (2013)
3. Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival of color celebrated in great style in Mauritius. This has always been my favorite Hindu holiday. Basically you have license to spray any passer-by with colorful dyes from head to toe. It's a wonderful way to welcome the spring. Read more about Holi ...
Where: Mauritius
When: 8 March - 9 March (2012)
4. Addo Elephant Marathon
Extreme marathon running is becoming quite popular, after all who wouldn't want to run alongside (or away from) lions and elephants on a sunny day in March? This is the fourth Addo Elephant marathon, which is held in a beautiful national wildlife park near Port Elizabeth in South Africa. There are two runs, a 50 mile and a 100 mile run, both require extreme fitness since most of the running takes place on dirt trails through the African bush.
Where: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
When: 10 March (2012)
5. Tan Tan Moussem, Morocco
The Moussem of Tan-Tan in southwest Morocco is an annual gathering of nomadic peoples of the Sahara that brings together more than thirty tribes from southern Morocco and other parts of northwest Africa. The week long cultural festival welcomes tourists. It's an important event for nomadic groups to celebrate and pass on their traditional heritage in a fast-changing world. There is dancing, music, a fantasia, trading and lots of camel stew to enjoy. The best accommodation is in a traditional Berber tent.
Where: Tan Tan, Morocco
When: 21 - 26 March (2012)
6. Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Southern Africa's biggest jazz festival is held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. Jazz legends from all over the world will perform for just two days at the convention center. More than 30,000 people attend, so advance ticket purchase is absolutely necessary. More about the 2011 Cape Town Jazz Festival...
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 30 - 31 March (2012)
7. Mediterranean Guitar Festival
This is the 6th year for this successful Mediterranean guitar festival which features guitarists from all over the world. The festival was inspired by Tunisian fans of the legendary Django Reinhardt.
Where: Tunis, Tunisia
When: 21 -26 March (2012)
