Private
Tours and Photo Safaris at the Wild Horse Sanctuary
Private tours and safaris are arranged on an individual basis. They can be scheduled Monday-Saturday when there are no other scheduled events or activities at the ranch. If your party would like to end the day with a light catered meal from a local restaurant, this can be arranged for an added fee. Please contact us at programs@returntofreedom.org for fees, scheduling, and other information. We look forward to making your visit a memorable and special event.
Note: The prices listed below are for private tours and safaris during the months of April-August 2024. For off-season tour inquiries, please contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
Private Tours
Our most popular tour! Schedule your own private group tour at our Lompoc sanctuary, a combination of an informative Living History Sanctuary Tour with some time for sensitive herd observation. Spend 2-1/2 hours experiencing a vital link to our living history: America’s wild horses! Learn about the origins of the horse in America, how they shaped American cultures, what they face in the world today and what we are doing to preserve them. This can be a light walking tour to view the sanctuary and visit our ambassador horses along with some time to quietly view the herds in the hills. For those who want a more vigorous hike or more time in quiet observation, custom tours are available by request. Light refreshments are provided.
The suggested minimum fee is $200 per person for private tours, with a minimum of four people or full payment for four people. Private tours are scheduled by appointment only and subject to staff availability. Please contact programs@returntofreedom.org or call our office at 805-737-9246 to schedule your tour.
Group Tours for Nonprofits, Schools and Senior Centers
Schedule a private tour for up to 30 participants! Great for school field trips, senior group tours, birthdays, clubs, youth groups, Pony Club outings, Girl Scouts, equine clubs or church groups! Bring a bag lunch and spread out a picnic blanket near the pagoda after the tour. Light refreshments are provided. Pricing is $2,500 for up to 30 participants, but can vary for nonprofit organizations, youth groups, and school groups. Scheduled by appointment only (Monday-Saturday) and subject to staff availability. To discuss special arrangements contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
Corporate Tours
Corporate tours are available by special arrangement. For more information, contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
Private Photo Safaris in San Luis Obispo or Lompoc
In addition to our scheduled Photo Safaris, private Photo Safaris in San Luis Obispo or Lompoc can be arranged upon request. Whether you and your amateur photo club want to photograph colorful wild horses in a serene setting or you’re a professional photographer looking to expand your fine arts portfolio, these safaris are the ones for you! One of our experienced guides will spend up to three hours with you and your group out in the hills of our 2,000 acre satellite sanctuary location in San Luis Obispo or our 300 acre main sanctuary location in Lompoc.
For private Photo Safaris in San Luis Obispo, the suggested minimum fee is $375 per person, with a minimum of four participants required to schedule. For private Photo Safaris in Lompoc, the suggested minimum fee is $250 per person, with a minimum of four participants required to schedule. Up to 10 participants can be accommodated for private safaris at both locations. Information for larger safaris is available by request. Special restrictions on photo use may apply. Contact programs@returntofreedom.org to view our photography waiver for more detailed information.
Private photo safaris in San Luis Obispo and Lompoc are scheduled by appointment only and subject to staff availability. Please contact programs@returntofreedom.org or call our office at 805-737-9246 to schedule your private safari.
Moonlit Evening Safari & Dinner
A meditative and reflective journey into the world of wild horses (perfect for a full moon) at either the Lompoc or San Luis Obispo location. These intimate evenings are hosted by Return to Freedom Founder Neda DeMayo, sharing her unique insight and understanding of wild herds. Special guests and staff may join to add their expertise. Once in the hills, our time will be reserved for quiet observation of the herds. At dusk we will gather for a light dinner, wine and conversation. The hiking level is moderate to strenuous on uneven, steep terrain, and the activity is not recommended for children under 12. Hiking boots, light jacket, and a water bottle are recommended for the hike. Suggested minimum fee is $625 per person for our Lompoc sanctuary and $825 per person at our San Luis Obispo satellite sanctuary, with a minimum of four people required to schedule. A maximum of 10 people can be accommodated. Schedule is 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Dates can be scheduled by special arrangement, with a minimum of four people. Please contact programs@returntofreedom.org or call our office at 805-737-9246 to schedule your evening safari and dinner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If you’re unable to attend your program or the program is postponed or rescheduled to a date you’re unable to attend, your payment may be applied to a credit for a future program’s registration for yourself or someone you designate, Return to Freedom store merchandise, or conversion to a much appreciated donation to Return to Freedom for the care and feeding of the sanctuary’s resident wild horses and burros.