There are two traditional villages in the Victoria Falls area that tourists may visit. Both are on the Zambian side of the border. Mukuni village is close to the border gate and is home to about 6000 people from the Leya community, who have lived in the Falls area for many generations.

Yes, a significant number of people live near Victoria Falls, primarily in two thriving towns on either side of the Zambezi River. On the Zimbabwean side, there is the town of Victoria Falls, which has a population of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people. This town is almost entirely built around the tourism industry and serves as the primary hub for visitors to the falls. On the Zambian side, the much larger city of Livingstone is located about 10 kilometers from the falls and has a population exceeding 140,000. Livingstone is a historic city that serves as a regional capital and has a more diverse economy, including agriculture and trade, alongside tourism. Beyond these urban centers, local indigenous communities, such as the Leya and Toka people, have lived in the surrounding "Mosi-oa-Tunya" area for centuries. Living near the falls in 2026 means coexisting with wildlife; it is not uncommon for residents to see elephants or baboons wandering near the outskirts of town, creating a unique environment where modern daily life meets a wild, prehistoric landscape.