Farhat Jah,

Owner/Dive Instructor,  

Known as "Raf" to his friends, first came to Pemba while driving a Land Rover from London to Cape Town. He was so taken by the beauty of the Islands that he knew straight away that he wanted to work here. Raf has a degree in politics, which he says comes in very useful for those evening chats on the balconies, watching the sun go down. Though his heritage is heavily Turkish (and slightly Indian) he has lived in London all his life and has trained in the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean. Having found Pemba he now makes a point of not diving in any location that requires a drysuit!  Raf loves taking pictures, many of which appear on this website.  If you are interested in seeing more, have a look at www.farhatjah.com

After working in the UK and Turkey, Raf went on to run India 's largest dive centre for four years. He has built up a wealth of experience that he likes to share with divers from around the world. Raf is an adventurer: Whether it be exploring hidden valleys on the banks of the Euphrates or finding new dive sites in Africa , Raf is equally at home. He owns and operates Swahili Divers and can be found in the Dive Base complex 7 days a week ready to answer questions, help out or lead dives.

Cisca Jah,

Anthropologist

Cisca came to Zanzibar to live in a small village. She was a marine anthropologist studying fishing habits. She met Raf in Blues restaurant (now closed) and a friendship was started. A short drive across the Sahara sealed the relationship and in 2002 they got engaged and Cisca came to live in Pemba . In March 2004 they married in Sariyer, Istanbul .

Since then Cisca plays an integral role in solving any staff related problems and giving expert advice as to how to approach the people of Pemba. Knowing the intricacies of someone’s culture make our lives so much easier.

Cisca is a keen diver and can be found accompanying divers around the reefs of Pemba on a purely social level. “I don’t want to become a dive master” She insists. I am very happy with my SSI open water certification!” And after 100+ dives, who might not be!

Manager, Dive operations

PADI dive Instructor

Mzee Ali

Head chef and former gardener

Mzee Ali started out as our gardener. When we worked out that our cook was a thief and that Ali could cook, he was instantly promoted. He receives training from kind guests and long term residents of Pemba . In that time he has created an array of meals that can be served up ten days in a row with never a repeat. Mzee Ali has an uncanny ability to think ahead. (What Cisca calls line thinking.) He will order exactly what is needed and no more, or he can order for a month. All depending upon what is required of him.

You can ask him about the traditions of Pemba and the role of the male in society. Listening to him makes for a very interesting and surprising afternoon!

Saidi Juma Sihimu

Assistant general manger, Swahili Divers group

Said Juma Sihimu slipped through the net. He is one of the most intelligent people that we know. And yet he dropped out of school too early. He is fiery and talented and a mover and shaker. He is the man as many would call him. He does all of our local government liaison, our long range purchasing. (He goes to Dar and Zanzibar regularly, and has, on occasion, been sent to Mombassa for us).  

Saidi recently got married and was kind enough to invite all of us to join in the festivities. We were able to witness, first hand, a Swahili Muslim Wedding. We were honoured to be present, and we took out guests who were staying that night to see the night time spectacle. Saidi was carried away in a government Landrover as we watched him start his new life.  

That new life started the next day by his walking into the office! We have big things lined up for Saidi and he is aware of this. He has gone back to school to continue his studies and earn certificates so that we can send him to hotel management college for further training. We believe that when he combines his natural abilities with more formal training, he will soar to new heights.