If we had spent the night in a tiger lodge, I’d probably say, “What a wild night!” — but spending a night with giraffes and zebras was just as thrilling, in the most peaceful way. We recently stayed at the Giraffe Lodge POP UP Hotel room at Knie’s Children Zoo in Rapperswil, part of the Swiss Family Hotels collection. And this was more than just a family getaway. It was a heart-expanding, giraffe-kiss-level magical adventure!
From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a real-life safari, just without needing to fly halfway across the world.
The lodge is a tiny house packed with a lot of comfort and everything you need when you travel with children. Actually like family friendly glamping right in the middle of the zoo. Honestly, that’s another part of what made it so incredible. You’re not just visiting the zoo… you’re living in it. For one night, you actually feel like you’re part of the zoo yourself, exposed to the public, just like another species in the enclosure! The visitors are strolling by and you’re sitting there on your terrace like, “Yup, this is my habitat now.”
Feeding the giraffes was truly one of the most magical parts of our stay.
Imagine standing just a step away from these tall, graceful creatures, holding out a fresh branch, and then watching as a giraffe gently leans down, wraps its long, purple tongue around the leaves, and plucks them right out of your hand. It’s both surreal and heart-melting.
They’re so calm and curious, looking at you with those big, soft eyes and fluttery lashes. We were laughing and giggling the whole time, half in awe, half in disbelief.
We got to feed them twice: once in the evening, right from our private terrace as the sun went down, and again in the morning during the behind-the-scenes tour. Both times felt like we were part of something really special — not just visitors, but guests in their world.
By the way!
Unfortunately, my husband didn’t get to spend the night with us because our Chihuahua at home had other plans. She decided the new dog sitter was not to be trusted and absolutely refused to let her in. So he had to return back home to manage the canine drama.
We missed him, of course, but it also turned into a girls’ adventure, just me and the kids, glamping with giraffes under the stars, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild at Zurich lake!
Here’s what made our family sleepover at the Giraffe Lodge truly unforgettable:
- Feeding giraffes right from our private terrace — yes, really! We had to hand them fresh branches as they calmly walked up to greet us.
- An evening picnic — surreal and serene. We sat outside with snacks, soaking in the golden evening light in the middle of the closed Zoo, and half asleep, resting animals.
- Sleeping inside the giraffe enclosure — our lodge was literally in the giraffe habitat. We fell asleep in cosy, modern comfort, with the wild silence of nature all around us.
- Morning giraffe feeding & behind-the-scenes tour — the kids got to learn so much from the zookeepers, and feeding the giraffes again in the early morning light was pure magic.
- Breakfast surrounded by giraffes and zebras, and curious Zoo visitors — and then, a breakfast basket delivered right to our lodge for a private breakfast feast.
So, what’s actually included in the Giraffe Lodge experience?
At Swiss Family Hotels, they’ve thought of everything:
- An overnight stay inside the giraffe enclosure at Knie’s Children’s Zoo.
- A family-friendly room (fits 2 adults + 2 kids or 1 adult + 3 kids).
- A private bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- A small kitchen, plus indoor and outdoor seating.
- Snacks, fruits and beverages in the fridge.
- A breakfast basket delivered to your door.
- Two full days of zoo admission for the whole family.
- Evening giraffe feeding with fresh branches.
- Exclusive morning tour & giraffe feeding experience.
- Free parking!
A Few Tips from Us:
- Book early! These tickets sell out fast (only until October 2025).
- Bring your own food for the evening outdoor picnic.
- Pack casual clothes, it’s all about comfort, especially at the feedings.
- Don’t forget your camera, every moment is Instagram gold.
If you’re looking for a unique family experience in Switzerland, we highly recommend booking a night at the Giraffe Lodge. Trust us, it’s a memory your children will treasure for a long time.
If you liked this blog post, feel free to share it in your FB group, WhatsApp chat, Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook. Thank you for your support, and till next time! Elena
*Ad. This trip was a press trip organised by Swiss Family Hotels. Text and Images ©Elena Habicher and Family First.
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