History
This area of Tanzania is steeped in history with the earliest known trade routes cutting through the middle of what is now the Park. The Arab trading caravans began using this route during the early 19th century. By 1830 these coastal traders began traveling on routes further north of the Park, but as they were continuously attacked by the Sangu people of the Usangu plains, these routes were abandoned. The traders continued pushing northwards, following a route through what is now known as Dodoma. Subsequently these routes were also used by Burton and Speke (1857-58) and other early European explorers.

In 1886 Tanzania came under German administration and was known as Deutsch Ost Afrika. The Wahehe people led by the famous Chief Mkwawa were the dominant tribe around the Ruaha area. These people were infamous for their fierce and successful battle tactics against the German occupiers