My husband and I are visiting Kenya next year, and although we have to fly to Nairobi, we want to do our bit for the environment once there. Would you say that the train between Nairobi and Mombassa is a good idea? We like the sound of it, but don't want to take any big risks. Ida Cunningham, Kings Lynn

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: The train from Nairobi to Mombassa is a great African experience. It's comfortable and safe, and you are almost certain to see some game from your carriage window.

The "Jambo Kenya Deluxe" trains leave Nairobi station, 5,700 up in the Central Highlands, at 7pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and chug the 400 miles to sea level and Mombassa. It's scheduled to arrive at 8:25am the next day, but it is usually late; arriving sometime before noon. The return train leaves the coast at 7pm, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Don't expect a luxury experience put on just for tourists, as this is a working train that ordinary Kenyans use to take goods to market, or visit family and friends. If you choose first class, you'll get a clean two-berth cabin (with doors that only lock from the inside), and for about £25 one-way, you'll also get bedding, a five course evening meal and hot English-style breakfast.

The dining car is great fun, fan-cooled, with white-gloved waiters, and china bearing the logo of the now defunct East Africa Railways ­ actually it stopped operating in 1971. Be sure to book for the last dining car sitting with your carriage guard, and then you'll not need to rush. The trains are pretty old too, and you'll find a fair few lights not working, but the cheery white-suited railways staff make up for any shortcomings.

It's half the price of the one-hour flight, safer than by road, and far more memorable. If you are keen to use the train where you can, there's also an overnight service from Nairobi to Kisumu, on the shores of Lake Victoria.

You can book either through East Africa Shuttles (00 254 20 248453) or Kuja Safaris (00 254 20 313371), which charge about £30pp one-way, including the booking fee, or ask a UK-based tour operator.

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