Ait ben Haddou is located in southern Morocco and is situated roughly 30 km (18 miles) northwest of Ouarzazate. Marrakech is the best place to start a road trip to Ait ben Haddou. Both Easy Jet and RyanAir service Marrakech. Royal Air Maroc offers daily flights to/from Casablanca and Ouarzazate. There is no train service in this part of the country.

The best times of year to visit Ait ben Haddou are spring (March - May) and fall (October - November). The daytime high often exceeds 40°C (104°F) in summer and, in winter, the nighttime low can fall below 0°C (32°F).

Watamu is a malaria risk area. Other health risks include sunburn, coral cuts and travelers' diarrhea. Watamu is relatively safe yet it is imprudent to stroll alone after dark. Beach boys, hawkers and touts can be a bit of a nuisance but just be firm and friendly and they will likely move on. Water shoes are recommended at all times and fundamental at low tide. When packing your first-aid kit, don't forget to include high factor sunscreen, diarrhea medications and DEET insect repellent. See our Kenya page for information on vaccinations, malaria and other items to include in a medical first aid kit.