Masterclass
Do I need to travel to Mongolia or does your Masterclass help me to improve my skills from anywhere else as well?
The masterclass is designed in a way that you can stay at home and shoot in your own backyard . Apart from the module “Getting Creative”, no module is location dependent. Even the “Getting Creative” module was kept very general, so that you can apply your knowledge anywhere else on the planet. No question, Max strongly recommends a trip to Mongolia, but it is not necessary to bring your photography, editing or business skills to the next level.
Some lessons & features will be published after I have purchased your products. Do I need to pay them extra?
No. Max will constantly add lessons for you to watch without any further payment. You will receive a newsletter, once the lessons are available online or features are being added.
Tour
Do I need to be a professional photographer in order to be able to book the Self-Drive Tour?
No. Extensive camera gear or photography knowledge is absolutely no need. You can take amazing photos with your smartphone already. The concept behind Follow The Tracks enables you to improve your photography skills while traveling across the country, guided by the Masterclass - the best way to learn is by doing. However, you can also simply use this adventure for your vacation and enjoy Mongolia in no photography related context.
What kind of insurance do I have?
We highly advise you to buy a travel insurance from your trusted insurance provider. The car includes a Third Party Liability Insurance up to 5,000,000MNT and a Loss Damage Waiver (excess 13,000,000MNT). You can book extra insurances for the rental car upon pickup.
Do I have to bring a camera?
You don’t need a camera to take this trip. But camera gear is something we don’t provide.
Do I have to sleep in a tent every night?
No, it depends on the route you choose. Some routes require more nights in a tent and some less. The iKamper rooftop tents and the Heimplanet tent provide a high level of comfort. Please make sure to read carefully the description of the route you want to take.
What will be provided on this trip?
- A manual 4x4 UAZ Patriot incl. 500km mileage per day, mandatory Third Party Liability Insurance, Loss Damage Waiver (excess 13,000,000MNT) up to 4 additional drivers (Upgrade to -Landcruiser 76 and automatic UAZ Patriot available upon request).
- A camping set with either rooftop tent or regular tent, sleeping matts, LPG gas stove, cooking gear (pot, pan, bowl), cutlery (Fork, knive, Spoon 1 per person), plates and cups.
- A Prepaid SIM card, Tablet, a power converter in the car for USB and European plugin.
- Domestic flight (Eagle Route only)
- Double Rooms in 3* Hotels and local ger camps
- Selected activities depending on the route
Do I have to travel with strangers?
No, this self driving experience is just for you and the people you want to be with. There can be up to four people per car. If you want to travel with a group of more than four people please contact us.
What do I eat whilst traveling?
On the first day you will need to allocate some time for grocery shopping in Ulaanbaatar. We recommend you to go to Emart (a large modern supermarket with a big range of products), Rosewood Market & Butchery (a high end market for great meat, sausage, fresh bread and other western food) and Mercury market (a traditional market hall for food in the center of town). During your trip you will pass small supermarkets that offer beverages, dry food, snacks and a limited range of vegetables.
Are there paved roads in Mongolia?
The paved road network in Mongolia is minimal and the Follow The Tracks tours are designed to be a mix of paved and unpaved roads. You will not need to leave unpaved dirt roads during the entire trip as long you follow the instructions.
I am a vegetarian. Are there enough options for me?
Mongolia is famous for meat dishes but it is also possible to avoid meat. You can buy vegetarian and vegan food in Ulaanbaatar and visit vegetarian or vegan restaurants like Luna Blanca.
What happens if my car breaks down?
Should you damage the vehicle or have a breakdown, please contact the SIXT emergency hotline immediately. SIXT will assist you.
Do I meet the famous eagle hunter?
This is depending on the route you take. Please make sure to read route descriptions carefully.
Is Max joining every tour?
No, this is a self driving tour which means that you are on your own or together with your friends. You will get a tablet with a lot of information about the country and tools to learn about photography. This is all provided by Max and hopefully it will give you the feeling that his spirit and excitement for Mongolia is always with you.
Should I expect any extra costs after I have booked this trip?
The Self-Drive Tour does not include fuel or food. Please keep this in mind and bring sufficient cash with you. Fuel consumption is 15 to 30L/100km depending on terrain and driving style.
Is it safe to travel through Mongolia?
Mongolia is ranked as the 50th safest and secure country to travel on the Travel and Tourism Competitive Report 2017, which makes it safer than Germany or the United Kingdom. Alcohol consumption is high and we recommend you to stay away from drunk people. The weather can change quickly and you should keep this in mind. Do not camp in or close to dry riverbeds and do not drive after sunset as many animals jump onto the road during the night. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TTCR_2017_web_0401.pdf
Is there cell phone reception and internet everywhere?
Most places and especially villages have 4G mobile network on the trip. Network coverage is highly dependent on the provider (we recommend Unitel, Gmobile and Mobicom) and location.
I already watched the online masterclass - is there still something to learn for me?
The basis of what you will learn about photography on this trip is the same. This experience is about getting to know a wonderful, nearly untouched country, and getting out in the field to use your new skills.
Do they drive on the left or the right in Mongolia?
In Mongolia they drive on the right.
Do I need a driver’s license?
One person in your group needs a driver’s license. But you can add up all of your travel buddies as an additional driver for free. Alternatively you can book a SIXT driver on top of your adventure who will drive you safely through the country.
Can I leave the default route?
The trip is planned with places to sleep, gas stations and under certain safety aspects, so that you don’t get stuck with the car. Therefore you should stay on the pre-planned route. Don't worry, there is a lot to see!
Is my driver’s license valid in Mongolia?
Please bring your international driver’s license unless your driving license is from a country that is part of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Driving licenses issued by member states are sufficient, in combination with your passport.
Is the car manual or automatic?
The standard car has a manual transmission. Please let us know in advance if you would prefer an automatic, and we will check the availability for you. Automatic transmission is subject to an extra charge.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, one person of your group needs a credit card. Some hotels require it to make a safety deposit.
How do I pay in Mongolia?
The currency in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). We advise you to take enough cash on your trip as it can be difficult to find an ATM in the countryside. Gas stations usually accept credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) but you may need to pay cash. You can change USD, EUR and all other major currencies in the banks in Ulaanbaatar. Withdrawing money from ATMs works with most international cards as well but it is mostly limited to 400.000MNT per day per card, therefore bringing USD or EUR is advised.
Is there a driver or do I have to take the route all by myself?
You can opt for a driver as an extra but this will incur extra costs and your group size will be restricted to only three people.
Do I need vaccination to travel Mongolia?
There is no vaccination obligation. When travelling to Mongolia, it is hepatitis A and rabies vaccinations are recommended. If traveling with children, you should ensure they have the standard vaccinations suggested by the Robert-Koch-Institution. More information can be found here: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/Impfen/Materialien/Downloads-Impfkalender/Impfkalender_Englisch.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
Where can I take a shower?
Showers are sometimes limited in Mongolia. Several camps as well as all hotels on the tour provide showers.
Is there electricity?
Most camps provide you with electricity and you will receive a converter for a European plugin and USB connecter in the car to charge your devices.
Mentorship
I have a food intolerance. Can I still join the trip?
During the Mentorship tour, 3 meals per day are included. You can choose to eat the regular dishes including meat and vegetarian options. Please note that we cannot alter all meals to allow for certain allergies but are always happy to recommend you shops that sell alternatives.
Useful information about Oman
Is Oman safe to travel?
Yes. Oman is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the Arab region and the world. Crime rates are extremely low, the domestic situation is stable, and the local people are not only incredibly hospitable but also accustomed to travelers and tourists due to centuries-old trade. You will notice that even after dark, women are often seen traveling alone – there is a general atmosphere of mutual respect. Incidents like thefts, car break-ins, or robberies, while present as anywhere in the world, are very rare – significantly less frequent than in Germany. The Royal Omani Police is present everywhere, there is hardly a spot in the country without mobile phone reception, and the police speak English in case you ever need assistance.
Do I have a guide while traveling through Oman?
No. But yes! Followthetracks tours are self-drive adventures designed in a way that you can explore with your friends & family privately with great flexibility while not missing out on local experiences and hidden gems. Instead of a physical guide, you'll find a tablet with our app in your 4x4 car. The app guides you through Oman safely along the route you previously chose, shows & explains to you all the beautiful places, gives you camping spots & restaurant suggestions and provides photo inspiration. Our local team will be available 24/7 and will assist you in case you will need support. They will also take care of the logistics around your trip, such as booking the hotels, providing you with camping gear and the 4x4 as well as connecting you to local guides according to your itinerary.
What's included in my Oman round tour and what's not?
✅️ Digital Guide on a tablet
✅️ 4x4 rental car with rooftop tent
✅️ camping kitchen
✅️ Hotel in Muscat, Nizwa and Wadi Tiwi
✅️ Airport Shuttle Service
✅️ Desert Experience
✅️ Guided Canyoning (Snake Canyon & Wadi Tiwi)
✅️ Snorkeling adventure Dimaniyat Islands (Half-day trip)
✖️ VISA costs
✖️ International flights
✖️ Fuel (ca. 62 USD/l)
✖️ Food (except hotel breakfasts)
✖️ Sleeping bag
How do I get from Location A to B?
The unique experience of our self-drive adventures comes to life through well-equipped 4x4 offroad vehicles, driven by you or/and your friends. These vehicles are made for the Omani highway as well as dirt and sand roads during your trip. To not get lost, you will find a tablet with our FTT app in each vehicle. It helps you to navigate your whole journey, provides you with recommendations and useful explanations and makes sure that you reach the next milestone on your route on time.
Where will I sleep during the round trip?
In your rooftop tent and hotels along the way. Offroad adventure means offroad adventure - so be prepared to experience the beauty of Oman’s nature and landscape during day and night time while camping in your rooftop tent. However, on your first day you will stay in a hotel in Muscat and in another hotel in Nizwa around the halftime point throughout your trip. A third place called Nomad Inn will be your last stop before you return to Muscat, providing you modern facilities and a pool while you camp on the property. You can, if available, upgrade to a room at own expense.
Will I get to meet Max on my tour in Oman?
Maybe. As it is a self-drive tour, you will travel with your friends and family and will be guided by a digital guide which Max has helped to develop and co-design. However, as we start our adventures in 2024, you might meet Max while you’re there! But he will not accompany you during your tour.
Do I need off-road driving experience?
No. Followthetracks is a wonderful beginner experience as well as made for advanced offroad and self-drive travelers. Bring your curiosity in adventures, traveling and nature and we will do the rest - apart from the driving of course. But don’t worry, Oman’s infrastructure is great, the highway is in mint condition and the dirt roads and sand roads are definitely easily doable. In case you'll get stuck, you'll find the approriate gear in the car and instruction tutorials on the tablet.
My preferred travel date is not on the list. What can I do?
No problem! Please reach out to us via email to oman@followthetracks.tours or click on the contact form underneath the travel dates. We will help you to customize your travel dates and list your personal trip for you to book.
Is the car automatic or manual transmission?
The car features an automatic transmission and is equipped to go fully off-road.