In Wanette, Oklahoma, an innovative overnight experience is captivating animal lovers and adventurers alike. Safari Stayz, initiated by 23-year-old Kamryn Grant, provides guests with the unusual opportunity to spend the night in close proximity to a giraffe named Yoshi, a venture that has gained widespread traction on social media platforms, notably TikTok.
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Grant’s fascination with animals led her to create this unique stay, allowing visitors to fulfil childhood dreams of evolving closer to wildlife. “Giraffes have always been my favourite animal,” Grant expressed. “As a child, I would have loved the chance to stay overnight with a giraffe.” What began as a childhood aspiration has developed into a thriving business, rooted first in themed stays featuring lemurs.

The original concept, focused on lemur-themed overnight stays, garnered significant interest, which prompted Grant to expand her offerings to include Yoshi the giraffe. This change marked a turning point for Safari Stayz, as Grant transformed her barn into a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience. This transformation not only includes the option to stay overnight but also offers an immersive interaction with the animals, a rarity within such settings.

Grant ensures that Safari Stayz adheres to high standards of animal care, holding several necessary permits, including Game, Fish & Wildlife licensing and USDA accreditation. “There aren’t many places where one can find such a unique opportunity to stay the night with a real giraffe,” she notes, highlighting the distinctiveness of her venture.
The online buzz surrounding the property propelled demand to new heights. Videos showcasing Yoshi and the experience of staying overnight began to attract millions of views on TikTok. “Every post made about the giraffe Airbnb reached over a million views,” she remarked. The public’s enthusiasm has driven visitors from across the nation, with some families embarking on extensive journeys. “I had a family from New York who drove for 23 hours just to meet Yoshi and the rest of the animals,” recalled Grant, expressing her astonishment at the lengths people would go for this experience.
Guests not only arrive for the rare opportunity to connect with the animals but often bring gifts and express joy in engaging with the wildlife. “I love seeing the happiness in people’s eyes,” Grant shared. This personal connection is at the heart of what makes Safari Stayz special.
The property houses over 100 animals, including zebras, camels, kangaroos, and sloths, with opportunities for guests to meet and interact with many species during guided tours. These tours last between 90 minutes to two hours, blending fun with education. “This is a very hands-on experience,” Grant explains. “You can feed and hold the animals, which is a significant part of the learning process.” By facilitating direct interaction with the animals, Grant aims to foster understanding about wildlife and the importance of conservation.
Despite the success, running such a distinctive venture brings its challenges. “I want to keep it fun and engaging,” she admitted, while acknowledging the complexities of expanding the operation. However, Grant is not deterred; she envisions a more extensive Safari Stayz that will offer numerous themed accommodations and enhanced educational facilities, transforming it into a major attraction within Oklahoma.
With an eye towards the future, she dreams of building a park that allows visitors to walk through and learn about various animals in a spacious outdoor environment. “I aspire for Safari Stayz to become one of the largest attractions in Oklahoma,” she declared, reflecting her ambitions for expansion.
For the time being, Grant is dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences for families, ensuring they leave with cherished memories. “I want guests to have the best experiences with their loved ones and come back yearning for more,” she concluded. As Safari Stayz continues to grow, it remains grounded in its mission to connect people with wildlife uniquely.
