McLean hosts Miss Universe 1992 reunion safari in Namibia

Namibia's 1992 Miss Universe winner Michelle McLean will host a reunion of contestants from that year, bringing together former titleholders from around the world for a safari through Namibia from 14 to 23 March.

The gathering marks more than three decades since the women shared the global stage at the 1992 pageant. Fourteen former contestants are expected to join McLean, making it one of the largest reunions from that year.

Speaking to tjil, McLean said hosting the reunion in her home country was a dream she had carried for many years.

“I am very excited that after 34 years of winning the Miss Universe title for Namibia, I can now host my fellow contestants from around the world here in Namibia,” she said.

The reunion also reflects the enduring friendships formed during the competition, she added. The group has previously met in Barcelona in 2018 and Miami in 2020.

This year's gathering takes the form of a safari experience, organised in partnership with Gondwana Collection Namibia, taking the group across the country with stays at various Gondwana lodges.

McLean said Namibia is the perfect destination, with many of the contestants having long wanted to visit Africa.

“Many people around the globe, including my Miss Universe sisterhood, have been fascinated by Africa and specifically Namibia. It has been on their bucket list,” she said.

Get to know Namibia

The group will travel through several parts of the country, including the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, where they hope to spot wildlife, including the Big Five, such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

Beyond tourism, McLean said the reunion would also shine a light on conservation efforts and community initiatives across Namibia.

The contestants will visit projects supported by the Michelle McLean Children Trust as well as initiatives under the Gondwana Care Foundation.

“As former Miss Universe contestants, many of the women have been involved in philanthropic work in their own countries. This is an opportunity to show them some of the projects we support in Namibia,” McLean noted.

McLean was crowned Miss Universe 1992 at the age of 19, becoming the first and, to date, only Namibian to win the title. She was also one of the youngest winners in the competition's history.