Photo Safaris:
And Herd Immersions
Return to Freedom (RTF) holds photo safaris and herd immersions at both our main 300 acre sanctuary location in Lompoc, California, and at our satellite sanctuary on 2,000 rolling acres in San Luis Obispo, California. RTF’s photo safaris are led by RTF staff, volunteers and/or professional photographers who know the sanctuary, the herds, and the light. If you prefer to schedule a private/personalized photo safari either in Lompoc or in San Luis Obispo, a minimum of four guests is necessary. Contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
In San Luis Obispo
On 2,000 acres of horse heaven on California’s Central Coast, over 65 wild horses and 24 burros roam free. You may choose to embark on a photo safari or herd immersion experience. While photographers will follow the best light, observers will instead have the opportunity to quietly watch herd behavior and move at their own pace. Each experience will have its own guide. Safaris last three-five hours and can be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon. Prescheduled safaris are held from 3:30pm – 7:00pm (dark).
Horses from the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon, along with other family bands, grace the beautiful rolling hills of San Luis Obispo with a view of the ocean in the distance. A picnic basket with healthy snacks and beverages will be provided.
Minimum suggested fee: $375 per person. A minimum of four participants are required to hold the Safari.
To register for 2024 prescheduled Wild Horse and Burro Safari and Herd Immersion dates in San Luis Obispo, click on the date you would like to attend:
In Lompoc
On 300 acres at our main sanctuary location, photographers and equine enthusiasts are able to experience and immerse themselves in Return to Freedom’s diverse conservation herds, which include some of the most significant, unique and rare bloodlines of the American Mustang. Horses who look as though they have literally stepped off the pages of a history book — such as descendants of Padres Kino’s Spanish Mission horses, the Iberian Sorraia type Sulphur Springs herd and the rarely found Cerbat Spanish Mustang. Then, in the hills, are descendants of cavalry and ranch horses from the Great Basin and other rugged areas on Western Public lands. The sanctuary is also home to wild burros who live in the romantic oak forest.
Come join us for a Wild Horse and Burro Safari and Herd Immersion experience at our Lompoc headquarters sanctuary. Both activities are 3-1/2 hours in length and are scheduled from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. to capture the best lighting for photography and opportunities to quietly immerse yourself in wild horse herds. Both activities may include navigating steep and uneven terrain. Your guide will take the abilities of all guests into consideration when deciding on the route and how best to reach the herds, and support vehicles may be used as needed. Light refreshments will be provided.
Suggested fee: $250 per person. A minimum of four participants are required to hold the Safari.
To register for 2024 prescheduled Wild Horse and Burro Safari and Herd Immersion dates in Lompoc, click on the date you would like to attend:
