30+ Best Rafiki Quotes From 'The Lion King'

Srija Chanda
Dec 12, 2023 By Srija Chanda
Originally Published on Feb 27, 2021
Edited by Jacob Fitzbright
Single lion looking regal standing proudly on a small hill
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 4.5 Min

Rafiki is a wise supporting character in the 'The Lion King' series.

Rafiki acts as a mentor to Simba in the first 'Lion King' movie. He often says: 'Asante sana, squash banana, we we nugu, mi mi apana,' which can be translated into a funny but wise saying, "Thank you very much, squash banana, you are a baboon and I am not."

The word 'Rafiki' means friend and he acts as a friend, guide and mentor to Simba - a symbolism in the movie 'The Lion King'. A famous line from 'Lion King' is "Hakuna Matata".

Even this line may have been from Rafiki, since Rafiki mentions it to Timon in the 'The Lion King 1½', the third installment of the series.

If you like this article, you may also like 'The Lion King' quotes and Simba quotes.

Rafiki Quotes On Inner Discovery

Big lion lying on savannah grass

Here are some of best Rafiki sayings. These include the best Disney quotes like Rafiki and Simba quotes on finding oneself and are some of the best 'Lion King' quotes.

1. "I'm not the one who's confused; you don't even know who you are."

- Rafiki.

2."You’re a baboon, and I’m not."

- Rafiki.

3."Rafiki: The question is: Whooo... are you?

Simba: I thought I knew. Now I'm not so sure.

Rafiki: Well, I know who you are. Shh. Come here. It's a secret.

Asante sana!

Squash banana!

We we nugu!

Mi mi apana!"

- 'The Lion King'.

4."Don't dawdle... Hurry up."

- Rafiki.

5."Timon: Hey, where'd you come from?

Rafiki: Oh, the better question is, where are you going?"

-'The Lion King 1½'

Rafiki Quotes On Guidance

Rafiki in 'The Lion King,' is a spiritual guide. Here are some of the famous 'Lion King' Rafiki quotes including the famous Rafiki quote about the past, that can bring you more wisdom.

6."Simba: Looks like the winds are changing.

Rafiki: Ahhh. Change is good."

-'The Lion King'

7."You follow old Rafiki, he knows the way. Come on!"

- Rafiki.

8."Life without worry. You seek Hakuna Matata."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King 1½'.

9."Simba: That's not my father. That's just my reflection.

Rafiki: Noo. Look harder. You see, he lives in you."

-'The Lion King'

10."Any story worth telling is worth telling twice."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King 1½'.

11."Rafiki: Hakuna Matata, it means "No Worries."

Timon: Perfect! Mind taking that stick of yours and drawing me a map, bub?

Rafiki:o find it, you must look beyond what you see."

-'The Lion King 1½'

12."My work here is done."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King 1½'.

13."Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King 1½'.

14."[Rafiki whacks Simba on his head with the staff.]

Simba: Oww! Jeez-- What was that for?

Rafiki: It doesn't matter; it's in the past!

Simba: Yeah, but it still hurts.

Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.

[He swings his staff at Simba yet again. But this time, Simba ducks.]

Rafiki: Hah, you see!

-'The Lion King'

15."Can't cut it out. It'll grow right back!"

- Rafiki.

16."It is time."

- Rafiki.

Funny Declaration Quotes By Rafiki

Here are some funny quotes of Rafiki where he seems to announce something:

17."Simba? He's- he's alive? He he- he's alive!"

- Rafiki.

18."The king... has returned."

- Rafiki.

19."Rafiki: Hey, where are you going?

Simba: [Shouting] I'm going back!

Rafiki: Good! Go on! Get out of here!"

-'The Lion King'

20"Rafiki: And where are you going?

Kovu: Nuhh... nowhere.

Rafiki: [springing up] That's what you think!"

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King II: Simba's Pride'.

21."What? Kovu... Kiara... together? This is the plan? Are you crazy? This will never work! Oh, Mufasa, you been up there too long. Your head is in the clouds!"

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King II: Simba's Pride'.

22."The whole kingdom is coming."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion King II: Simba's Pride'.

Rafiki Quotes From ‘The Lion Guard’

'The Lion Guard' is a series, acting as a continuation of 'The Lion King'. These are some of the best Rafiki 'The Lion Guard' quotes.

23."No, no. The form cannot be fixed so easily. You must learn balance and technique."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

24."Remember, young honey badger. Practice the key to good form is to stick with it."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

25."If my tree feels like home to you, then you should stay. But perhaps you could be a little quieter?"

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

26."It always feels good to return to the Pride Lands. Eh, Simba?"

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

27."The Outsiders are a group of lions led by a lioness named Zira. Simba banished them from the Pride Lands before any of you were born."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

28."Ah, that was fun. But it feels good to take a break."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

29."You have much spirit, honey badger."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

30."After Scar was gone, Simba became King. But Zira told Simba he couldn't rule the Pride Lands. Because Scar had chosen her son, Kovu, to be King."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

31."Thank you, Lion Guard. It has been a long time since I embraced my inner warrior."

- Rafiki, 'The Lion Guard.'

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Rafiki quotes then why not take a look at [Simba quotes], or [lion quotes]?

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Written by Srija Chanda

Master of Arts specializing in Mass Communication/Media Studies

Srija Chanda picture

Srija ChandaMaster of Arts specializing in Mass Communication/Media Studies

An aspiring media professional, Srija is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Mass Communication at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, after completing her degree in journalism. With experience in PR and social media, she has also honed her leadership skills through her participation in a youth parliament. Srija's interests include devouring books, watching movies, and exploring new places through travel.

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