Under the Rhodesian administration, it was officially named the Umniati, but its spelling was changed in 1983 to more closely resemble the correct Shona pronunciation.

The river rises in Mashonaland East, just north of Chivhu, and approximately 100 km (62 miles) south of Harare.

The river flow is highly variable, reflecting the sharp distinction in the local climate between dry and wet seasons.

During the rest of the year, it is much reduced and slower-flowing, usually only 2 m (6.6 ft) deep, and almost drying up on rare occasions during serious droughts; as last in 1984.

As in Shona, ganda (kanda) means "to throw", and varoyi means "witches", "with typical poetry and precision, the local people have named the cataract after the picturesque practice they had of throwing reputed witches over the waterfall.