Two-minute guide: Finding the authentic Arabia

Sweeping sands and bright desert stars; along with the rest of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman has these in spades but its interior also hides jagged mountains, wadis, historic forts, souqs and a host of local people keen to share their culture and keep their places special.

For travellers, Oman offers a peaceful journey into authentic Arabia and responsibletravel.com has some tips to lead the way.

Even though the mountains in Oman are omnipresent, the desert plays an equally important role. Whether travelling south to spend time in what is simply, and aptly, known as "The Empty Quarter", or sand seeking closer to Muscat, tourists looking for a chance to experience the nuances of real Omani life should take the time to immerse themselves in this most fearsome of environments.

Tours through the dunes in 4x4s are popular, but for a real insight travel in a more traditional way, by camel train. For a real authentic experience take the opportunity to visit a Bedouin family at their reed house, tucked away in the dunes. Although no longer (mostly) nomadic and in part eroded by the demands of the modern world, it would be wrong to suggest that nothing remains of the Bedouin culture described so evocatively in Wilfred Theisger’s 1959 travelogue, Arabian Sands.

Bedouin families open their houses to visitors to share their culture, to tell stories of the desert and to keep alive the ancient traditions of hospitality. Hand-made crafts and guiding travellers into the desert provide vital additional income.

Leaving the Bedouin and the desert sands does not mean leaving Oman’s legendary hospitality behind. Although many Omanis speak English, learning a few words of Arabic is a sure-fire way to light up local smiles, and even be invited in for kahwa, Omani coffee made with a hint of cardamom.

Hikes on the relatively undiscovered Jabal Akhdar, or Green Mountain, will take tourists through traditional mountain villages and farming communities. A local guide here will be able to help navigate routes connecting ancient settlements and pick out path-side shops selling fruit.

Alongside Oman’s mountains comes one of its biggest secrets – its collection of wadis, either dry as a bone or completely flooded. The latter offer a refreshing opportunity for some truly beautiful wild swimming – a unique way to become immersed in the rich landscape. Wadi Shab, for example, has emerald green caves to explore and waterfalls year round before it enters the Arabian Sea near the coastal village of Tiwi.

The dry wadis offer opportunities for hot and hardcore hiking, and some excellent climbing, but discomfort from the heat is soon forgotten in the dramatic twists and turns of the once-water-filled valleys.

But authentic Arabia is not all about active Arabia; travellers don’t need to hike into the mountains or catch a camel train through the desert to get a glimpse of what the real Oman is all about. In Nizwa, the former capital, the impressive fort is just one example of the current Sultan’s commitment to preserving the country’s unique heritage. Its Friday morning livestock market feels like it has existed for hundreds of years, tourists mingle freely and yet the experience is not diluted or enhanced for visitors; it is simply Omani traders going about their weekly business. The souks here as well offer a real insight into daily life as well.

Oman’s coastline is a wonder, with smooth sandy beaches and perfect conditions for water sports enthusiasts as well plenty of opportunities to see dolphins – and even whales – in the wild. Coupled with the country’s stability it is no wonder that international chain hotels are springing up along its beaches. However, for a taste of Oman’s true heart travellers need to head inland, to find its people, mountains, deserts, wadis and forts. Authentic Arabia is here in abundance.

More authentic, responsible experiences in Oman can be found at http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/oman