ZAMBEZI RIVER- A tragedy struck the resort town of Victoria Falls last Friday when a seasoned canoe guide lost his life in a savage crocodile attack on the Zambezi River. The incident has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community and dealt a heavy blow to the tourism sector, which is a lifeline for the area.
The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Marlven Nyoni, a well-respected assistant guide with the Victoria Falls Canoe Company and a long-time resident of Mkosana. Known among colleagues for his expertise and calm demeanor on the river, Nyoni’s death has left friends, fellow guides, and tourists mourning the loss of a skilled and dedicated professional.
The fatal attack occurred near Kadahar Island, one of the most frequented sites along the Zambezi for canoe safaris. The island’s waters, while scenic, are also known to be home to a significant population of Nile crocodiles. On that day, Nyoni was leading a group on a routine canoe expedition when tragedy struck. Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams and frantic calls before the water erupted in chaos.
A swift but tense rescue effort followed. Fellow guides launched a search, navigating the river’s strong currents to locate Nyoni. After hours of searching, his body was recovered from the water. The incident has left a deep impression on the local community, with many expressing grief at the loss of someone who was regarded as both a skilled professional and a cherished friend.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) officially confirmed the fatality. Tinashe Farawo, Public Relations Manager for ZIMPARKS, issued a statement conveying condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirming the authority’s commitment to safety on the Zambezi. “We can confirm that a fatal crocodile attack occurred near Kadahar Island on the Zambezi River involving Mr. Marlven Nyoni. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this tragic time,” Farawo said.
Canoeing on the Zambezi is one of Victoria Falls’ most celebrated tourist activities, offering breathtaking views and close encounters with nature. However, it is also an activity that carries inherent risks. Guides like Nyoni are trained extensively to manage these dangers, but the unpredictable nature of wildlife means that even the most experienced professionals can be vulnerable.
Seasoned Canoe Guide Killed in Brutal Crocodile Attack on Zambezi River
Tourism operators in Victoria Falls have expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting the importance of safety while acknowledging the challenges posed by the river environment. The Victoria Falls Canoe Company, Nyoni’s employer, described the event as a devastating loss for both the business and the wider tourism community. “Mr. Nyoni was an experienced guide, admired for his professionalism and passion for the river. His loss is a tragedy for all of us,” said a company spokesperson.
Locals and fellow guides have paid tribute to Nyoni, remembering him as a mentor who was dedicated to sharing his knowledge of the Zambezi with visitors. “He was more than just a guide — he was a teacher and a friend,” one fellow guide said. “He knew the river like the back of his hand and always prioritised the safety of tourists.”
The incident has reignited conversations about wildlife safety in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, particularly regarding activities involving direct contact with natural habitats. While crocodile attacks are rare, they are not unheard of, and experts stress the importance of ongoing safety measures, risk assessments, and community awareness campaigns.
ZIMPARKS has pledged to review safety protocols for canoeing and other river-based activities in light of the tragedy. “We will work with tour operators to enhance safety measures while ensuring that tourism activities remain sustainable and respectful of the environment,” Farawo stated.
The tragic loss of Marlven Nyoni underscores the delicate balance between adventure tourism and safety, especially in destinations where wildlife is a central attraction. For the people of Victoria Falls, the incident is a painful reminder of the risks faced by those who work to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences.
For Nyoni’s family, the loss is immeasurable. Friends and relatives have described him as a devoted father and husband, a man whose life was intertwined with the river he loved. Memorial gatherings have drawn local residents, fellow guides, and tourists who knew him, reflecting the depth of his impact on the community.
As the tourism industry continues to recover from the disruptions of recent years, the death of Nyoni will likely remain a solemn chapter in Victoria Falls’ story. It is a loss that resonates not only as a personal tragedy but as a cautionary tale about the inherent dangers of working so close to nature’s raw and unpredictable forces.
ZIMPARKS and local operators have assured the public that they will do everything possible to prevent similar tragedies in the future, balancing the pursuit of adventure with the preservation of human life. For now, however, Victoria Falls mourns one of its own — a guide whose passion for the Zambezi will not be forgotten.
Source-iHarare
