Rafiki — The Lion King Character Profile

About Rafiki

Eccentric mandrill shaman who guides Simba spiritually and physically.

Rafiki — Character Profile

Alignment

Hero

Species

Other

Abilities

Mysticism, Combat, Wisdom, Tracking

• Strength: 5/10
• Intelligence: 9/10
• Charisma: 7/10
• Morality: 9/10
• Influence: 7/10

Affiliations

• The Lion King universe

Quick Facts about Rafiki

Occupation

shaman

Hair Color

White hair

Rafiki appears in 5 titles

• The Lion King (1994) — character page
• The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) — character page
• The Lion King 1½ (2004) — character page
• The Lion King (2019)
• Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) — character page

Character Facts

Played by

John Kani

Appears in

The Lion King (2019)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (4)

• Rafiki — Power King — Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor)

  Scar attempts to legitimize his rule by controlling Rafiki.

• Rafiki — Professional Mentee — Simba (Donald Glover)

  Rafiki acts as a spiritual guide and mentor to Simba.

• Rafiki — Narrative Guide — Nala (Beyoncé)

  Rafiki's wisdom indirectly guides Nala's mission to restore the kingdom.

• Rafiki — Power King — Mufasa (James Earl Jones)

  Mufasa recognizes Rafiki's spiritual authority and advisory role.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Lion King

More characters from The Lion King

• Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor)
• Zazu (John Oliver)
• Simba (Donald Glover)
• Mufasa (James Earl Jones)
• Kamari (voice) (Keegan-Michael Key)
• Pumbaa (voice) (Seth Rogen)
• Impala (voice) (Phil LaMarr)
• Guinea Fowl (voice) (Amy Sedaris)
• Shenzi (voice) (Florence Kasumba)
• Sarabi (Alfre Woodard)
• Azizi (voice) (Eric André)
• Timon (voice) (Billy Eichner)