Everyone at Eco Resort Network was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Paul Zway, founder of Exclusive Tents and one of the true pioneers of the modern glamping and outdoor hospitality industry.
Paul’s influence stretched far beyond the luxury safari tents for which his company became renowned. He was a visionary whose lifelong connection with the natural world shaped not only his own remarkable journey but also helped define an entire sector built on bringing people closer to nature in comfort and style.
Born and raised in South Africa, Paul’s love of the wilderness began in childhood. Fascinated by wildlife from an early age, he spent much of his youth exploring the bush, camping, rescuing and studying animals, and developing a deep respect for the natural environment that would remain at the heart of everything he did.
That passion led him to become one of the youngest professional Game Rangers in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. Over the next 17 years, he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife, specialising in anti-poaching operations during a period when rhino and elephant poaching was reaching crisis levels. Living in remote ranger stations and spending weeks at a time camping in the African bush, Paul developed an intimate understanding of life under canvas – an experience that would later inspire his life’s work.
Following threats made against his family by organised poaching syndicates, Paul made the difficult decision to leave South Africa and begin a new life in Arizona in the United States. Although the move meant starting again from scratch, his entrepreneurial spirit and enduring love of the outdoors never faded.
In 2004, together with his eldest son, Zane, Paul founded Exclusive Tents with a vision of introducing beautifully crafted luxury safari tents to the North American market. Drawing on decades of first-hand experience living and working in canvas structures, he set out to create accommodation that combined elegance, durability and a genuine connection with nature.
Those early ambitions helped shape what has since become one of the world’s leading luxury tent manufacturers. Through innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality, Exclusive Tents has delivered bespoke accommodation to some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality destinations, while always maintaining Paul’s belief that tourism and conservation should work hand in hand.
Paul never lost sight of the values that inspired him. Conservation, sustainability and respect for the natural environment remained central to both his business philosophy and his personal life. He believed luxury hospitality could exist in harmony with nature, allowing guests to experience extraordinary places while leaving the lightest possible footprint.
Many within the international glamping community will remember Paul not only for his expertise, but for his generosity, warmth and willingness to share his knowledge with others entering the industry. He remained passionate about innovation and the future of outdoor hospitality throughout his career.
Paul had been due to join us as a speaker at the recent Eco Resort Network gathering in Thailand. Sadly, ill health prevented him from travelling, and many delegates were disappointed to miss the opportunity to hear his insights and remarkable story in person.
Among those who knew Paul best was hospitality consultant Randy Hendrickson, who worked alongside him on numerous projects over many years. Reflecting on both their professional relationship and enduring friendship, Randy said:
“Over the past many years I had the absolute privilege of working with Paul as a business partner, working on multiple projects together. His expertise and acumen were absolutely without equal, as was his integrity in always doing what was right and best. But moreover, I came to know him as one of my closest personal friends. We spent many hours talking about everything apart from business, talking about family, life, and things that truly matter. As great as he was as ‘Paul the industry icon’, it was ‘Paul the man’ who I cherished most, and will miss most profoundly.”
Those words perfectly capture the man so many came to know. While Paul’s professional accomplishments transformed the glamping industry, it was his kindness, integrity, generosity and genuine friendship that left the deepest impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.
His legacy, however, will continue to inspire the global glamping community for many years to come. Through Exclusive Tents, and through the countless operators whose businesses have been shaped by his vision, Paul’s influence will endure across the landscapes he loved so deeply.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Paul’s family, his wife Angelika, his sons Zane, Anders and Brian, and everyone at Exclusive Tents. He will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues throughout the outdoor hospitality industry.
