He is a mandrill, not a baboon. Although sometimes mistaken for a baboon, Rafiki is actually a mandrill—the largest type of monkey. Mandrills are known for their vibrant coloring.

He is the spiritual guide and advisor. Throughout the films, Rafiki plays a vital role in major life events, from presenting cubs on Pride Rock to providing mystical guidance to the kings.

He communicates with past kings. Rafiki has a deep connection to the spiritual world and can communicate with the great kings of the past, such as Mufasa.

He uses cryptic metaphors. Rafiki teaches his lessons in an eccentric and often frustrating manner, bombarding his students with riddles and strange metaphors that prove effective in the end.

His hut records the kingdom's history. Rafiki lives in a baobab tree where he creates paintings of key events in the royal family's history, from births to battles.

His origin story is expanded in The Lion Guard. The animated series The Lion Guard reveals more about his history in the Pride Lands, including how he came to be Mufasa's friend and how he came to have an apprentice named Makini.