About us
Boris Medatinsa is the founder of Eben Tours. With more than 15 years’ experience, Boris is a professional, skilled and reliable travel guide with extensive knowledge of the region. He can design and lead customized tours and adventures, cultural and historical trips, and eco-tourism projects throughout Benin, Togo, and Ghana. He has intimate knowledge about local culture, history, the environment, and has specific interests in Vodoun, anthropology, music, and art.
With a strong background in management and customer service, Boris understands and prioritizes his clients’ interests, needs and expectations when developing and leading customized travel programs.
Through his many years as a travel guide and his commitment to responsible tourism that contributes to local community development, Boris has developed an extensive network of local collaborators and service providers who can be engaged to enhance travel experiences.
Boris is also skilled in the design and management of travel and cultural experiences for universities, film crews and non-government organizations. He has partnered with academics, students, film makers and NGO staff. He has been involved in the design and execution of every aspect of cultural documentaries, scientific and cultural research, community development programs, youth entrepreneurship programs, and protection of the natural environment.
Boris can speak English, Fon, French and some Ewe.
What travellers say about us
Professor Wes Peterson
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), USA
I have known Boris Medatinsa since 2010 when he served as a guide for my wife and me on a tour through Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Boris worked closely with us to set up a unique tour of these exciting countries and then coordinated our travel and lodging arrangements.
We were together for about two weeks and as our visit drew to a close, Boris and I realized that it might be interesting to organize similar tours for undergraduate students. I am a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) where I teach agricultural economics. Many faculty members at UNL have done faculty-led study tours of countries around the world. Boris and I felt that such a program in Benin would be of great value to interested students. In 2012, we were able to recruit a small group of adventurous students to explore the fascinating culture of Benin along with introducing them to some of the issues related to agricultural development in West Africa. We did two more of these study tours in 2014 and 2016 visiting agricultural research stations and model villages as well as historic sites such as the Palaces of the Kings of Dahomey in Abomey and the Portuguese fort in Ouidah. We also visited the Pendjari National Game Park in northern Benin and the stilt village of Ganvié situated in Lake Nokoué. During the tours, Boris explained the history of Benin, the traditional religion of Voodoo, and helped with translations when we visited small villages and other sites. Along with taking care of the travel logistics, he arranged for special Beninese meals, Voodoo ceremonies, visits to local night clubs, and much more.
Boris has immense practical experience in leading tours in West Africa along with extensive knowledge about countries in West Africa. He always handled his responsibilities with efficiency and integrity. He has a wealth of information about the places visited and extensive local contacts who can help to arrange special excursions and experiences. He got along extremely well with the students who participated in the study tours and has maintained cordial relations with many of them. Boris is personable, honest, trustworthy, and an excellent traveling companion. In short, I know of no one better able to organize and guide tours of Benin, Ghana, and Togo.
Kiersten
UNL tour participant
Boris organized a fantastic tour of Benin, including all key historic and cultural sites. Boris is extremely knowledgeable and orchestrated a seamless trip for our travel group. We had such a wonderful trip. I highly recommended traveling with Boris.
Jason
UNL tour participant
Boris was a super guy who made the trip so much fun. Logistically, he made our time run smoothly and seamlessly made accommodations for activities we wanted to participate in outside of the itinerary. I would highly recommend traveling around West Africa with Boris.
Tanner
UNL tour participant
I had the incredible opportunity to visit Benin and travel with Boris. We had plenty of activities scheduled each day, yet the plans were always flexible. The places Boris and his team took us were not only very educational, but interesting and meaningful. I always felt safe, comfortable, and understood around Boris, by tour guides and all the people we met in the communities. I would recommend traveling with Boris to anyone looking for a valuable and educational experience.
Andrew
Cultural anthropologist and teacher, USA
Boris Medatinsa is an excellent tour operator and guide. He is easy-going and flexible, while also clear, direct and very organized. Boris was able to create an individually-tailored experience that met my needs both as a researcher and as a tourist. I was particularly interested in learning more about Vodoun. Boris was able to accommodate my travel plans in a way that felt culturally affirming and respectful for everyone. What I found especially impressive was his ability to build a relationship with me, figure out what I was looking for in my trip to Benin, and then respond accordingly. For instance, after working with Boris for a couple days, he began suggesting outings that were not on my original itinerary. Without being pushy, he considered that I might enjoy or learn more from a slight change of plan, though the decision was ultimately mine. I decided to pivot and follow Boris’ suggestions, and I am so glad I did. In the end, the trip exceeded my expectations, both in terms of what I was able to learn and how much fun I had. I would recommend Boris without hesitation, and I am looking forward to my next excursion to Benin, when I will certainly use his services again.
Dacee
UNL tour participant
I had the opportunity to study abroad and explore Benin with Boris as my guide. The three weeks I was there definitely provided me with some of the best experiences of my life! We learned so much about the culture, history, agriculture, and landscape of the country. Boris is very knowledgeable, helpful, kept our safety and comfort a priority, and above all became a great friend to us all by the end of our trip. I absolutely recommend traveling with Boris.