This Oklahoma barn just became the most sought-after Airbnb in America and the star is a 17-foot giraffe named Yoshi
The perfect roommate.
The Oklahoma barn where you can wake up next to a 17-foot giraffe named Yoshi just became the most sought-after Airbnb around. At Safari Stayz in Wanette, guests are booking stays in droves, drawn by the chance to spend the night just steps away from the gentle giant. The experience, created by 23-year-old animal lover Kamryn Grant, has racked up millions of views on TikTok and turned the property into a full-blown travel destination.
Yoshi’s massive presence looms just beyond floor-to-ceiling windows in the barn-turned-Airbnb, where guests can watch him wander, snack, and even stroll up for a hello. The setup is designed to feel immersive and surreal, blending the comfort of a cozy stay with the magic of wildlife. And if you book two nights, you’ll score the VIP experience: a hands-on encounter where you’ll feed Yoshi, learn fun facts about him, and even take home a painting he creates.
Grant didn’t start with giraffes. According to People, her journey began with lemur-themed Airbnbs, which quickly gained traction with visitors craving something out of the ordinary. “Giraffes have always been my favorite animal. If I was a kid I would have loved staying the night with my dream animal.” That childhood dream evolved into a business, and as demand grew, so did her ambitions.
The response on TikTok has been nothing short of electric
Yoshi joined the lineup, and the giraffe-themed stays exploded in popularity. “Each giraffe bnb post I made hit over a million views,” Grant said. “People love the idea and want to stay with our boy Yoshi!” Videos featuring Yoshi and the Safari Stayz experience have gone viral, with individual clips racking up anywhere from 500,000 to over 7 million views. Comments are flooded with excitement, with users calling the stay a “dream” and vowing to book immediately.
Many express disbelief that they can wake up next to a giraffe, while others share plans to travel from across the country just for the experience. The engagement is off the charts, tens to hundreds of thousands of likes, thousands of comments, and shares that keep the momentum going. It’s clear the content has struck a chord, positioning Safari Stayz as a must-visit destination for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Grant recalled one family from New York who drove 23 hours straight to stay at the barn. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. Others arrive with gifts in hand, eager to connect with the animals and create lasting memories. The property is home to over 100 animals, including camels, zebras, kangaroos, foxes, lemurs, otters, and even sloths. Guests don’t just observe them, they interact with them during guided tours that last between 90 minutes and two hours.
The tours are designed to be hands-on and educational
“This is a very hands-on experience,” she explained. “You interact with pretty much every animal here, going into their pens, feeding and holding them.” The goal is to foster a deeper connection, one that goes beyond the novelty of the experience. “I want people to leave here with knowledge and understanding of the importance of zoos and why we are here,” she said. “Interacting with the animals helps us connect and understand them to a whole new level.”
Running a business like this isn’t without its challenges. “I always want it to be fun and very hands-on,” Grant said. “The hardest part is figuring out how we can make this bigger and better.” She envisions expanding Safari Stayz into a full-fledged destination. “I want to be one of the biggest destinations in Oklahoma,” she said. “I would love to have a whole park where people can walk, see, and learn about the animals.”
For now, though, her focus remains on creating unforgettable experiences, especially for families.“I want them to be excited to come back,” Grant said. That passion is evident in every aspect of Safari Stayz. The property holds several licenses and certifications, including Game, Fish & Wildlife licensing, CWD certification, and USDA certification and licensing. These ensure the animals are well cared for and the experience is safe for both guests and wildlife.
The giraffe Airbnb is a masterclass in blending luxury with the unexpected
The barn is outfitted with all the comforts of a traditional stay, but the real draw is the wildlife just beyond the window. Guests can watch Yoshi go about his day, all while enjoying the coziness of their room. It’s a surreal experience, one that feels like stepping into a nature documentary. The success of Safari Stayz is a testament to Grant’s vision and dedication.
She’s turned a childhood dream into a thriving business, one that’s capturing the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. The viral TikTok videos have played a huge role in spreading the word, but it’s the real-life experiences that keep guests coming back. Whether it’s the family from New York who drove 23 hours or the visitors who fly in just for the chance to meet Yoshi, the demand is undeniable.
If you’re an animal lover looking for an experience that’s out of the ordinary, Safari Stayz might just be the perfect getaway. It’s not every day you get to wake up next to a giraffe, but in Wanette, Oklahoma, that dream is very much a reality.
(Featured image: Irina_kukuts on Pixabay)
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