Simplify the following text for a Grade 5 native English-speaking person.
Original: When he heard of the work of Cecil Rhodes and his pioneers in building the Cape to Cairo railway in Africa , Burnham sold what little he owned and , in 1893 , set sail to Cape Town , South Africa , with his wife and young son .
Simplified: He sold what little he owned and , in 1893 , left by ship to Cape Town , South Africa with his wife and young son .