NEED TO KNOW
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Safari Stayz in Oklahoma offers overnight stays near a giraffe named Yoshi, created by 23-year-old Kamryn Grant
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The property features over 100 animals and guided tours where guests can interact with species like lemurs and sloths
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Grant plans to expand Safari Stayz into a larger destination with more themed stays and educational animal experiences
Waking up next to a giraffe might sound like a dream, but in Oklahoma, it’s become a viral reality.
At Safari Stayz in Wanette, Okla., guests can spend the night just steps away from a giraffe named Yoshi, part of a one-of-a-kind Airbnb-style experience created by 23-year-old animal lover Kamryn Grant.
“Giraffes have always been my favorite animal,” Grant tells PEOPLE exclusively. “If I was a kid I would have loved staying the night with my dream animal.”
That childhood idea eventually turned into a full-fledged business, but it didn’t start with giraffes.
Grant first launched a series of animal-themed stays featuring lemurs, which quickly took off with visitors looking for something different. As interest grew, so did her vision.
“I first started with my lemur bnbs, and people just loved it so much that I ended up getting Yoshi, my giraffe,” she says.
From there, she transformed the barn into a one-of-a-kind destination where guests can not only stay overnight, but fully immerse themselves in the experience — something she says remains incredibly rare.
Grant and her organization also hold several licenses and certifications, including Game, Fish & Wildlife licensing, CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) certification and USDA certification and licensing.
“There aren’t many places where you can stay the night with a real giraffe,” she says.
Yoshi inside the barn
Credit: Kamryn Grant
When Grant began sharing videos of the stay on TikTok, the response was immediate.
“Each giraffe bnb post I made hit over a million views,” she says. “People love the idea and want to stay with our boy Yoshi!”
That online attention quickly translated into real-life demand. Guests now travel from across the country — sometimes driving for hours — just to experience it firsthand.
“I had a family from New York drive 23 hours here to my bnb just to meet me and my animals,” Grant recalls. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Since opening, she’s welcomed visitors who fly in or road trip for the chance to connect with the animals, some even arriving with gifts in hand.
“I love the happiness I see in people’s eyes,” she says.
That connection is central to what makes Safari Stayz stand out.
The property is home to more than 100 animals, including zebras, camels, kangaroos, foxes, lemurs, otters and even sloths. Guests can interact with many of them during guided tours, which Grant says are designed to be both fun and educational.
“This is a very hands-on experience,” she explains. “You interact with pretty much every animal here, going into their pens, feeding and holding them.”
Inside the Airbnb
Credit: Kamryn Grant
Tours typically last between 90 minutes and two hours, giving guests time not only to meet the animals but also to learn about them, something Grant is passionate about.
“I want people to leave here with knowledge and understanding of the importance of zoos and why we are here,” she says. “Interacting with the animals helps us connect and understand them to a whole new level.”
Still, running such a unique experience comes with its own challenges.
“I always want it to be fun and very hands-on,” she says. “The hardest part is figuring out how we can make this bigger and better than before.”
And that’s exactly what she hopes to do next.
Looking ahead, Grant envisions expanding Safari Stayz into a full destination — with more themed Airbnbs and a larger park where visitors can walk through and learn about the animals.
“I want to be one of the biggest destinations in Oklahoma,” she says. “I would love to have a whole park where people can walk, see, and learn about the animals.”
Yoshi in the barn
Credit: Kamryn Grant
For now, though, her focus remains on creating unforgettable experiences — especially for families.
“I want them to have the best memories with their families,” Grant says. “I want them to be excited to come back.”
Read the original article on People