Online Reporter
Paul Connolly
Business Reporter
The tourism sector was plunged into mourning earlier this month following the death of an industry legend, whose lifelong journey on the Zambezi River not only represented a rewarding career of choice, but carved a signature adventure in the region.
Following the death of Mr Paul Connolly, Victoria Falls bade goodbye to the visionary white water rafting architect who first saw the heartbeat of the Batoka Gorge and shared its thunder with the world.
Mr Connolly’s life was inextricably linked to the spray and the roar of the Mosi-oa-Tunya, and his sudden death on February 1, 2026, marked the end of an era for the tourism community he helped build.
As the 72-year-old founder of Shearwater Adventures, Mr Connolly took his final steps out of the Batoka Gorge after a day on the water. He left behind far more than a white water rafting trail — but also a landscape and a town and adventure forever transformed by his vision.
Under his guidance, Shearwater became the “one-stop” heartbeat of Victoria Falls tourism activities, a premier hub where adrenaline-fuelled rafting and bungee jumping meet the grace of sunset cruises and helicopter flights.
From the hospitality of the Explorers Village to the logistics of airport transfers and fine dining, Mr Connolly did not just build a company; he built the gateway through which the world experienced the Zambezi River.
To many, the “Smoke that Thunders” is a natural wonder; to Mr Connolly, it was home and a lifelong mission.
He did not just witness the growth of Victoria Falls tourism — he shaped and grew it.
Mr Connolly saw the wild, untamed potential of the rapids and turned them into a “world-class destination.”
His journey began in 1982 when he pioneered canoeing on the Lower Zambezi, a venture that laid the groundwork for his legacy.
By 1985, he had founded Shearwater and introduced commercial whitewater rafting to the Zimbabwean and Zambian side of the river — innovations that would become the very heartbeat of Victoria Falls’ modern identity as a global adventure destination.
“He died on 1st Feb 2026 from a suspected heart attack while exiting the gorge following a kayaking trip with close friends,” said Shearwater in a post on X.
“Paul pioneered canoeing on the lower Zambezi in 1982, founded Shearwater in 1985 and pioneered whitewater rafting on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi that same year. Paul was a renowned explorer and adventure partaking in great river adventures throughout Africa, sometimes with friends and sometimes solo.
“But to those who knew him he was much more than that.
“A warrior, author, poet, scholar, philosopher, conservationist, sportsman, raconteur, lawyer, friend, mentor and loving family man to Marie and his four daughters (Dani, Claire, Julie, Nikki) and grandchildren.
“He died with his boots on as he would have wished, but he will be missed by all who knew him.”
Dr Emmanuel Fundira, president, Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) described Mr Connolly’s life as woven into the fabric of the Zambezi and the rugged depths of the Batoka Gorge.
“He didn’t just witness the evolution of tourism in the region; he authored its most daring chapters,” he said.
Through a rare blend of innovation and a profound love for the wild, he transformed adventure tourism into a global standard, mentoring generations of guides to respect both the river’s power and its grace.
“Paul’s life was inseparable from the river, the gorge, and the spirit of adventure that defines Victoria Falls,” said Dr Fundira.
“He was not merely a participant in the story of the upper Zambezi tourism, he was one of its authors.
“Through courage, innovation, and an unyielding love for the river, Paul helped shape adventure tourism, mentored generations, and inspired countless others to respect both the power and the beauty of nature. Paul brought dedication, professionalism, and kindness to his work each day.
“He approached his role with quiet commitment and was always willing to help, support, or simply share a moment of conversation. His loss has left a space that cannot be filled, and he will be genuinely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” Dr Fundira added.
Long-time friend Mr Keith Stewart said, “he was a man I admired deeply for everything he achieved, especially for his role in defining Victoria Falls as the global home of adventure tourism.”
There is a poetic, albeit heartbreaking, beauty in the fact that he spent his final hours kayaking with close friends, exiting the gorge “with his boots on” in the very place that defined his soul.
