Emily Cottingham

My Greatest Adventure

Just before I left Tanzania to move back to the United States, my best friend and I packed up our car and headed to Kigoma, a two-day drive from where I lived in Arusha. After lots of punctures, and a broken fuel pipe we made it to Kigoma, where we then took a boat to Gombe Stream National Park where Jane Goodall started all of her chimp work. It was surreal to be the only visitors there (as it’s not a very touristy stop) and to spend time with the chimps and learn about one of my personal idols, who I had the pleasure to meet when she was visiting Arusha previously.

My Favorite Destinations

Traveling to Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine is one of my favorite experiences ever. It truly feels like the end of the world and everywhere you look is more stunning than the next place. There are big, crazy hikes like the Base of the Towers, or slower, easier paced hikes that end with a gorgeous lunch and glass of wine. You can horseback ride or search for pumas. The experiences and properties are so varied.I love sitting around the bar at Patagonia Camp sharing tales from the day just as much as enjoying a five-star meal at the Relais & Chateaux Awasi.